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TMT was developed for treatment of people with complex PTSD and dissociative disorders, including their extensive comorbidity. This often includes depression, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, panic disorder, OCD, eating disorders and somatic symptom disorders.

TMT can be adapted for people with less severe trauma and less complex mental health problems and is suitable for all practice settings. It is based on Dr. Ross’ Trauma Model, which is a comprehensive, scientifically testable theory of the relationship between psychological trauma and a wide range of different disorders, addictions and self-defeating behaviors.

Program

Friday 27th and Saturday 28th January 2023, from 4.00pm to 8.00pm (Italian Time)

Trauma Model Therapy

On Day One and Day Two, Dr. Ross will explain the principles and techniques of his Trauma Model Therapy (TMT).

Dr. Ross will explain the principles of TMT including: the problem of attachment to the perpetrator; the locus of control shift; the problem is not the problem; just say ‘no’ to drugs; addiction is the opposite of desensitization; and the victim-rescuer-perpetrator triangle. The two core features of the therapy are a focus on conflicted, ambivalent attachment and the self-blame and self-hatred arising from the locus of control shift. These two aspects of the model are based on the biology of mammalian attachment and developmental psychology. The techniques of TMT will be illustrated through case examples. The therapy involves a blend of cognitive, systems, behavioral, experiential and psychodynamic techniques within a unified theory. 

Learning Objectives

1. Core principles of Trauma Model Therapy.
2. The problem of attachment to the perpetrator and the locus of control shift in detail
3. Treatment strategies through case examples, with emphasis on dissociation.
4. Questions and discussion concerning trauma

Friday 03rd and Saturday 04th February 2023, from 4.00pm to 8.00pm (Italian Time)

Dissociative Identity Disorder

On Day Three and Day Four, Dr. Ross will describe how to recognize dissociative identity disorder (DID) and the principles of its treatment. He will describe the key symptoms of DID and how to ask about them in a clinical interview. He will then demonstrate how to use the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule (DDIS) to screen for and diagnose DID.

Attendees will receive copies of the DES and DDIS for their own use. The rest of the workshop will be spent on treatment. Principles of the therapy include: the central paradox of DID; the problem of host resistance; and talking through to the voices. Time will be spent on techniques for fostering inter-personality communication and cooperation, grounding and stabilization and other tasks. Techniques and strategies will be illustrated through case examples.

Learning Objectives

1. DID symptoms and how to ask about them clinically.
2. The use of DES as a screening instrument for DID.
3. How to use the DDIS as a diagnostic interview for DID.
4. Explain the central paradox of DID.
5. Describe and explain the problem of host resistance in DID.
6. Describe the technique of talking through to the voices and how to use it.
7. Describe techniques for increasing inter-personality communication and cooperation in DID.

Speaker

Colin Ross, MD – psychiatrist-psychotherapist – is an internationally renowned clinician, researcher, author and lecturer in the field of dissociation and trauma-related disorders. Actually, he is running a hospital-based Trauma Program at UBH hospital in Denton.  

He has authored over 260 professional papers and 36 books and he is a past President of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).